Spotting the Signs of PTSD and What to Do Next
PTSD - the invisible injury
You don’t have to have seen combat to experience PTSD. It can result from any traumatic event: an accident, a loss, a medical emergency, or witnessing something deeply distressing. What matters isn’t whether others see it as traumatic - it’s how it affected you.
So how do you know if you’re dealing with PTSD? And what can you do about it?
Common signs of PTSD in veterans
PTSD doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some symptoms creep in gradually. Others come in waves. Here are some of the most common things to look out for:
- Reliving the experience
- Flashbacks that feel like you’re back there
- Nightmares or disturbing dreams
- Physical symptoms like sweating or racing heart when reminded of the trauma
- Hypervigilance and anxiety
- Feeling constantly on edge or 'keyed up'
- Trouble relaxing, even in safe environments
- Being easily startled or quick to anger
- Avoidance
- Steering clear of places, people, or conversations that remind you of the trauma
- Shutting down emotionally or feeling numb
- Struggling to talk about what happened, even with loved ones
- Low mood and guilt
- Depression, hopelessness, or a sense that the world isn’t safe
- Feeling detached or like no one understands you
- Survivor’s guilt – asking why you’re here when others aren’t
- Self-destructive behaviours
- Drinking more than usual or turning to substances to cope
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Withdrawing from relationships or isolating yourself
When to take action
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, especially if they’ve been going on for more than a month or are affecting your daily life, it’s time to reach out.
What you can do next
1. Speak to your GP
This is the first step in accessing proper support and getting your symptoms on record. Let your doctor know that your symptoms may be related to your time in service. You can say something like:
“I’ve been experiencing some psychological symptoms, and I think they might be linked to my military service. Can we talk about PTSD or possible support options?”
You have the right to be listened to and to have it recorded properly in your medical notes.
2. Know that you're not alone
PTSD is common among veterans and is treatable. Thousands have been where you are. Support works. Whether it’s talking therapy, trauma-focused CBT, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), or medication, there is a way forward.
3. Reach out to a veteran support organisation
There are services that specialise in supporting former service personnel, and we are in a position to assist you in finding the right organisation to suit the specific help you need.
4. If eligible, get the compensation you deserve
Mental health claims are handled very differently depending on whether you go through the AFCS or WPS routes.
Taking the right approach is crucial. Please don’t go it alone, and don’t rely on advice from people who don’t fully understand how the schemes work. The right guidance can make all the difference to whether your application succeeds. That's what we're here for.